Zahir Shah appointed as NAB acting chairman

Islamabad: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Deputy Chairman Zahir Shah was appointed as the acting chairman of the anti-graft body, the reports said on Saturday.

Zahir Shah would serve as the acting chairman until the next chairman was appointed.

“In pursuance of the proviso[n] to Section 6(b)(v) of amended NAO 1999, Mr Zahir Shah, shall act as Chairman, National Accountability Bureau, with effect from 22-02-2023 and till the appointment of new chairman, under the ordinance,”  read the notification issued by NAB Additional Director Syed Izhar Shah.

The development took place after Aftab Sultan resigned after refusing to "toe the line".

The former NAB Chief said that he could not put his independence in danger.  He was appointed as NAB Chairman last year on July 21.

“I was asked to do some things,” the former NAB Chief was quoted as saying. He had refused to accept the demands.

Zahir Shah, the newly appointed acting NAB Chairman, had been looking after the office since the day Aftab Sultan resigned from his position.

It may be mentioned that constitutionally appointed chairman of the NAB is authorized to approve the filing of any reference in the courts.